JOHANNESBURG – Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe has hit out at South Africa's High Court ruling urging prosecutors and police to probe crimes against humanity - allegedly committed by Zimbabwean officials.

Mugabe on Friday told a meeting of southern African liberation movements in Harare that the ruling was made by Rhodesian and apartheid elements determined to recolonise the region.

The North Gauteng High Court ruling applies to Zimbabweans living in South Africa and could be extended to those with plans to visit the country.

South Africa is bound by its international legal responsibilities to investigate officials linked to acts of state-authorised torture, said Judge Hans Fabricius in his judgement.

Mugabe said he wants the ANC to act decisively against this judgement.

He said the ANC must ensure it does not affect cordial relations between Zimbabwe and South Africa.

The ANC has also been attending the meeting of southern African liberation parties in Harare.

Mugabe said the summit must come up with a resolution opposing the judgement which compels the South African police and prosecutors to probe crimes against humanity that may have been committed by Zimbabwean officials.

But ANC secretary general Gwede Mantashe told the private NewsDay that his party does not ignore the rule of law and will respect the ruling of the High Court.

The 88-year-old president has ruled the country since its independence in 1980.